Last time, we discussed how the AMX-50 design matured to a virtually finished state, but failed to enter series production due to missing funds and lacking demand in Europe. However, as a conflict with the Soviet Union becoming more and more likely, the AMX-50 project received a breath of fresh air after its development was restarted in order to upgrade the design to the latest standards, capable of combating the next generation of Soviet tanks.

In summer 1951, work on an AMX-50 version armed with a powerful 120mm cannon began with an order for 10 pre-production vehicles to be built by the DEFA (France’s weapons design bureau). The purpose of the vehicle was to provide the armies of the western allies with an alternative to the new American M103 and British Conqueror heavy tanks. The aim was to create a tank with equal firepower to that of the American and British counterpart, but at the same time provide it on a cheaper, lighter and more mobile platform. Most importantly for the new vehicle however, was the ability to effectively combat new Soviet heavily armoured tanks, such as the IS-3 and T-10. This would be ensured by the installation of the American 120mm T53 cannon. To fit the new cannon and its accompanied autoloader onto the AMX-50 chassis, a new oscillating turret was installed. It was much larger, higher in profile and heavier than the previous one. Armour on the hull was also increased to 90mm, leading to the vehicle’s weight being increased to 59.2 tonnes. In 1955, the new AMX-50 Surblindé (uparmoured) received a lower turret and a different hull, resembling that of the IS-3, in hopes of increasing protection. Instead, the weight was further increased to 64 tonnes, which subsequently raised mechanical issues caused by insufficient engine power and weak suspension during testing.



Though the Surbaissé concludes the main development timeline of the AMX 50 series of fighting vehicles, one more legendary vehicle, which was a side development of the AMX 50, remains to be covered. However, this story we will leave for next time. Until then, tankers!

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